Remembering that Steelers-Seahawks Super Bowl

The Steelers and Seahawks have very little in common. They operate in cities across the country from each other, play in separate conferences and usually only face off once every four years as the schedule dictates.

Both teams will be linked forever though because of Super Bowl XL, which took place Feb. 5, 2006, and resulted in a 21-10 Steelers victory and the franchise’s fifth NFL championship at Ford Field in Detroit.

No current Seahawk played in that game more than 13 years ago, and the only Steeler left who participated is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. But with Seattle in town Sunday to take on the Steelers at Heinz Field, we thought it was as good a time as any to reminisce about that game and what was the Steelers’ first Lombardi Trophy since 1980.

Roethlisberger made the first of his three Super Bowl appearances in his sophomore NFL season. His box-score numbers weren’t particularly impressive — 9-of-21 for 123 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions — but he did score a rushing touchdown off a QB sneak in the second quarter.

Ben Roethlisberger picks up a first down with his legs against the Seahawks. (Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)Ben Roethlisberger dives for the goal line and scores a touchdown. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

The game’s MVP was receiver Hines Ward, who caught five balls for 123 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown thrown by fellow receiver Antwaan Randle El on a trick play.

Hines Ward flashes his trademark smile as he scampers in for a touchdown. (Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)

That was the game’s most memorable play, but of equal importance was running back Willie Parker’s 75-yard touchdown run, which still stands as the longest run from scrimmage in Super Bowl history.

Willie Parker’s touchdown in Super Bowl XL is still the longest rushing touchdown in Super Bowl history. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)Willie Parker scores on his memorable 75-yard run in the third quarter. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)

One of the sweetest parts of the victory was running back Jerome Bettis winning his first and only ring in his hometown. He retired after the game, riding off into the sunset as a Super Bowl champion.

Jerome Bettis runs for yardage against the Seahawks. He finished the game with 14 carries for 43 yards. (Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)

Today, many non-Steelers fans remember Super Bowl XL for a few questionable calls that went Pittsburgh’s way. Those include whether or not that Roethlisberger QB sneak actually crossed the goal line, a touchdown catch by Seahawks receiver Darrell Jackson that was called back for offensive pass interference and another big reception by Seattle receiver Jerramy Stevens that didn’t stand due to a holding penalty on the offensive line.

Ben Roethlisberger kisses the Lombardi Trophy in the locker room. (Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)Jerome Bettis finds his family in the crowd in Detroit. (Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)Jerome Bettis holds his daughter after beating the Seahawks. (Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward hoists the Lombardi Trophy. (Lake Fong/Post-Gazette)Troy Polamalu looks for his family in the stands after the Steelers’ victory. (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)